ISLAMABAD, OCT 20 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and the Health Services Academy (HSA) organised a high-level brainstorming workshop titled, “Protecting the Next Generation: Tobacco-and Nicotine-Free Campuses” to develop actionable strategies for eradicating tobacco and emerging nicotine products from educational institutions across the country.

Co-chaired byDirector General HEC Engr.Saleem Ullah Sohoo and Dr. Nazish Babar from Bacha Khan Medical College & Hospital Swabi, the workshop was brought together key stakeholders, health experts, academic leaders and youth.

On this occasion, Dean Allied Health Sciences and Head of the Department of Lung Diseases and Tobacco Control Dr. Matiur Rahman delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for tobacco-and nicotine-free campuses. He discussed challenges in enforcement and outlined a strategic way forward. He also warned that the rising use of emerging nicotine products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, poses a serious concern for students. Emphasising that educational institutions must remain safe and healthy environments, he described the workshop as an important step towards developing unified and enforceable policies.

Participants of the interactive workshop engaged in two rounds of intensive brainstorming and group activities. They collaboratively designed targeted campaign strategies for tobacco-free campuses.